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AB 903

Relating to: termination of parental rights under the safe haven law. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Barbara Dittrich and 9 co-sponsors

AB 903 modifies Wisconsin's safe haven law to alter procedures for terminating parental rights when parents surrender newborns to designated facilities.

Failed to pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor pursuant to Joint Rule 82
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 903

Legislative bill overview

AB 903 modifies Wisconsin's safe haven law by altering the procedures and timelines for terminating parental rights when a parent surrenders a newborn to a designated safe haven facility. The bill adjusts legal protections and notification requirements related to these surrenders, which allow parents to anonymously relinquish newborns without criminal liability.

Why is this important

Safe haven laws exist to prevent infant abandonment and ensure newborns receive care, but they create complex legal questions about parental rights termination. Changes to these procedures affect how quickly children can be placed for adoption, what rights surrendering parents retain, and whether biological parents can later contest the termination—all with significant implications for child welfare outcomes and family law.

Potential points of contention

  • Timeline acceleration: If the bill shortens timeframes for parental rights termination, it may reduce opportunities for parents to reclaim children or contest proceedings, raising concerns about due process rights
  • Anonymity protections vs. biological family access: Balancing the anonymous nature of safe haven surrender with potential inheritance rights, medical history access, or future family reunification efforts
  • Implementation consistency: Ensuring designated safe haven facilities (hospitals, police stations, fire departments) uniformly follow new procedures without creating disparities in how surrenders are processed

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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